Keeping well during the government announced month-long lockdown is of the utmost importance.
While this is a worrying time for many of us, to help with staying well, Ealing Health and Social Care Team have provided a range of resources on mental health and wellbeing.
The NHS have identified five top tips to help you keep well:
- Talk about your worries
- Keep a regular routine and set goals
- Manage your media and information intake
- Do things you enjoy and try something new
- Look after your body.
There are many online resources you can use to help you stay healthy during lockdown.
Public Health England’s Every Mind Matters website includes NHS expert tips and advice on how to take better care of your mental wellbeing and supporting your family and loved ones to do so during this challenging time.
North West London NHS Trust have provided Keeping Well resources as a source of support for those of us working on the frontline services in health and social care.
If you need help in a mental health crisis or emergency, helpline number to call is 0800 328 4444. If you use TypeTalk, dial 18001 0800 328 4444.
This service is open to anyone – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The charity Mind also offers support on a range of mental health issues, call 0300 123 3393.
Vulnerable people
The council are urging residents to look out for their elderly neighbours and those who may feel particularly vulnerable due to underlying health issues. During the first lockdown period, it was easier to get out and about as the weather was warmer and the days were longer. But with shorter and colder days, more may be feeling lonely and depressed. So think of your neighbours and maybe knock on the door or window just to check they are keeping well.
Self care for young people
Being back at school or college has not been easy for young adults and has highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing. These self-care videos feature loads of tips and techniques to help deal with stress.
Bereavement
Coping with grief after the death of a loved one, friend or colleague is an incredibly sad experience at any time, but it is even more challenging during the current circumstances.
Anyone who has suffered loss this year is urged to seek support from one of the many organisations who can offer help.
Bereft Bereavement Support is a local bereavement counselling charity.
Clients pay what they can afford. Call 020 8896 2800 for more information.
Cruse, another bereavement charity, has a free helpline which is staffed by
trained volunteers. Call 0808 808 1677 or email helpline@cruse.org.uk.
Councillor Binda Rai, the council’s cabinet member for health and adult services, said: “2020 has been pretty tough and its very easy to forget that we are living through unprecedented times, which are both physically and mentally draining on us all. However, there are things we can all do to help ourselves and others, to prevent these feelings from becoming more serious.
“It’s vital that we all look after our mental health. We encourage residents to use the service, the resources on the Ealing Council website as well as those available on the NHS Every Mind Matters website. These are all tailored to help us get through this crisis and offer practical tips and advice.”
Under the new month-long restrictions, everyone must stay at home, and may leave only for a limited set of reasons. Read more on the latest guidelines.
